Catalogue: Adult Program Graduate Course Descriptions

Business Administration (MBA)

615

Business Foundations (3). An introduction to business fundamentals including Financial Accounting, Business Math and Statistics and Economics. Application of the Christian worldview to the field of business is also discussed.

624

Ethical Problems in Business (3). A study of the basic ethical principles as applied to the major problem areas facing economic systems and to decision-making in the corporation and in the household. The basic ethical principles and the accompanying value system used are biblically-based.

640

Advanced Organizational Behavior (3). A course designed to develop an understanding of behavioral concepts for effective management of organization. Topics include theories related to work environment, group dynamics, motivation, leadership, and organizational change strategies.

643

Financial Analysis (3). Prereq: MBA 615, Business Foundations or Business Finance. An in-depth analysis of corporate financial management activities related to acquisition of financial resources, short and long term financial planning, management of working capital, and evaluation of financial profitability. Major components related to financial markets and government fiscal policies and cash flow / break even analysis will be used to determine firm's viability within the marketplace.

646

The Legal Environment of Business (3). A study of the legal environment within which business firms must operate and how it affects the decision-making process. The relationship between Law and ethics is explored throughout the course.

658

Managerial Economics (3). Prereq: MBA 615, Business Foundations or Economics. The application of methods of economic analysis to the decision-making process of business firms and other organizations.

664

Marketing Management (3). An analytical approach to the marketing functions of business firms. The course includes the study of topics such as the design of marketing strategies, choices of channels of distribution, and competitive practices.

Principles of Executive Leadership (3). (Formerly Principles of Executive Management). A study of the behavioral sciences as they apply to management and leadership. The course includes such topics as leadership, participative management, group dynamics, and motivation.

687

Strategic Planning (3).The role of leadership to maintain a congruent proactive approach for organization effectiveness is studied. Stages in the strategic process including development, implementing, and evaluation are examined. Special focus on organizational alignment in achieving objectives and desired outcomes is studied.

688

Business in a Global Environment (3). A study of the institutions and operations of international businesses. Emphasis will be on managerial policies and practices of firms operating in the global environment.

690

Business Planning & Entrepreneurship (3). This course provides an overview of the information and skills necessary to launch and to maintain a successful entrepreneurial venture or small business. It presents an overview of managing small businesses and developing entrepreneurial ventures, including the requirements of a business plan, marketing strategies, customer service practices, and basic financial and managerial functions. A business plan will be required of all students.

Business Leadership (MSL)

601

Introduction to Graduate Education (3). A review of the basic concepts and skills necessary for success in graduate study. Concepts of teamwork and team learning are covered along with an overview of requirements for graduate programs. Students are introduced to leadership principles and applications in the context of a Christian world view. Topics include library use, research, critical thinking skills, writing expectations, analysis of case studies in leadership, and worldview.

630

Leading Productive Teams (3) This course explores the research, theories, and models of team performance, including the design and maintenance of high performance team leadership in organizations. Using assessments, simulations, case studies and discussion, the course examines personality type, power and influence, trust, risk taking, motivational strategies, communication style, and team dynamics.

Financial Analysis (3). (Formerly MSM643) This course centers upon executive level managers and how they make use of finance and accounting methods in designing strategy and making decisions. Major finance and accounting tools are reviewed as well as the acquisition and allocation of financial resources and accounting systems.

658

Principles of Executive Leadership (3). (Formerly MSM658) This course investigates leadership at the executive level through the use of qualitative research, student exercises, and a skills development project. In the course, students will research different executive leadership models and case studies in how the models are applied at the executive level. The concept of level three leadership is studied addressing working with and motivating people at the level of their fundamental values, beliefs, and expectations. The foundations of Christian leadership are explored.

660

Human Resource Management (3). (Formerly MSM660) An advanced study of the utilization and challenges of human resources in contemporary organizations. The emphasis is upon external trends in law, society, and competitors. In addition, issues related to today-s workforce are discussed and include topics such as diversity, values, recruiting and developing today-s employee.

661

Human Resources Employee Relations (3)This course offers an overview of Training and Organizational Development in Human Resource settings. Topics include intervention strategies, employee empowerment, and organizational transformation and strategic change in the context of human resources. Finally, the role and style of the HR practitioner is discussed in the context of a Christian world view.

662

Human Resources Compensation and Benefits (3) This course offers an overview of Total Rewards and compensation package. Students will develop a total compensation philosophy, design and implement a total rewards system. Job analysis, Job evaluation, Job descriptions, FLSA and Compensation Law, Employee Benefits Law, Government Mandated Benefits, and Employer-sponsored Benefits will also be discussed. Finally, compensation and benefits will be discussed in the context of a Christian world view.

665

Coaching, Mentoring and Resolving Conflicts (3) This course surveys theories, models, and best practices related to mentoring and coaching employees toward higher levels of performance. Learners examine sources of conflict between supervisors and subordinates, as well as peers. All these relationships are discussed in the context of a Biblical world view.

668

Organizational Change (3) (Formerly MSM668) Developing leaders as effective change agents is the focus of this course. Approaches for assessing organizational readiness for change and strategic planning for effective organizational development are scrutinized. Strategies for overcoming resistance to change are examined. Students are challenged to integrate biblical principles to compliment contemporary change models.

670

Leadership Capstone (3) This course concludes extensive, long-term inquiry and formal study of leadership that integrates the key learning components into an Individual Leadership Portfolio and a final group project that includes both primary and secondary research on the challenges facing today's leaders. Class discussions will focus on the impact of the Christian world view on leadership for individuals, teams, and organizations.

686

Strategic Leadership (3) The focus of this course is developing and implementing effective strategies to maximize leadership and organizational effectiveness. Innovative approaches in leading organizations in adapting to changing external environmental factors are studied through the use of case studies. Mergers, acquisitions, and multiple approaches to partnerships are analyzed.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

601

Clinical Pastoral Education (6)Professional education for students seeking to learn pastoral care ministry. Students, under the guidance of a CPE supervisor, participate in clinical contact with individuals in a chaplaincy/ministry setting gaining experience in pastoral care. Students must spend 400 hours in clinical care including compiling their clinical pastoral experiences using the action/reflection model of learning.

Dance (DAN)

500

Arts Administration (3) Advanced study of the models and methods for dance management, including grant writing and arts advocacy.

Modern Technique (1-2) Prereq: Instructor's Approval. Intermediate/advanced modern technique for graduate study. (Equivalent to Modern III/IV for undergraduates.) May be repeated for additional credit.

543/544

Performance I (1) Performance in faculty and guest artist works. May be repeated for additional credit. (Offered every semester.)

545

Dance and Christian Ministry (3) Advanced study of the methods and models for integrating dance in Christian ministry contexts.

550

Apprenticeship I (1-3) Prereq: Graduate Advisor and Instructor approval. A practical means by which graduate students can receive concentrated mentorship in an area of interest, such as teaching, choreography, arts administration, etc.

560

Dance Technology (3) Advanced study of the theory and methods for the integration of dance and technology.

565

Rhythmic Theory for Dancers (2) Advanced study of music theory for dance practice and pedagogy

Philosophy of Dance (3) Advanced study of the theories and methodologies for the philosophical approach to dance with an emphasis on engagement of Christian worldview.

585

Somatic Practices for Dance I (1) Prereq: Instructor approval. An introduction to somatic methods and practices in dance technique and performance.

590

Independent Study (1-3) Prereq: Graduate Advisor and Instructor approval. A means by which graduate students can explore topics not offered in the standard program of study.

591

Special Topics (1-3) Prereq: Graduate Advisor and Instructor approval. This course provides an opportunity for small groups of graduate students to pursue interests in topics not addressed in the core curriculum.

Modern Technique (1-2) Prereq: Instructor's Approval. Intermediate/advanced modern technique for graduate study. (Equivalent to Modern III/IV for undergraduates.) May be repeated for additional credit.

643/644

PerformanceII(1) Performance in faculty and guest artist works. May be repeated for additional credit. (Offered every semester.)

650

Apprenticeship II (1-3) Prereq: Graduate Advisor and Instructor approval. A practical means by which graduate students can receive concentrated mentorship in an area of interest, such as teaching, choreography, arts administration, etc.

Research and Writing for Dance (3) Advanced study of research methodology and scholarly writing strategies, including fieldwork processes in data gathering, analysis and interpretation, and final write-up.

Independent Study (1-3) Prereq: Graduate Advisor and Instructor approval. A means by which graduate students can explore topics not offered in the standard program of study.

691

Special Topics (1-3) Prereq: Graduate Advisor and Instructor approval. This course provides an opportunity for small groups of graduate students to pursue interests in topics not addressed in the core curriculum.

Modern Technique (1-2) Prereq: Instructor's Approval. Intermediate/advanced modern technique for graduate study. (Equivalent to Modern III/IV for undergraduates.) May be repeated for additional credit.

Education (EDU)

501

Measurement and Evaluation Strategies (3). A study of assessment and evaluation theory based on developmental criteria from cognitive, social, language, motor, and affective domains. Students use strategies for analyzing both group performance and individual needs using authentic and ecological measures. Theoretical foundations for evaluation are applied to a practicum experience at one of four levels of licensure: primary, elementary, middle, and secondary.

502

Dimensions of Learning I (3). Preq: Full Admission (MS - teaching in field of license) Supervised internship which provides an emphasis on the application of principles and theories of education using field-based experiences.

503

Dimensions of Learning II (3). Preq: Full Admission (MS - teaching in field of license) A study of the foundations of school law, social and cultural aspects of the school setting. Includes applications in the field.

506

Classroom Management and Organization (3). Emphasis on the development of strategies for establishing effective classroom organization and for managing and monitoring student behavior. Strategies encourage the intellectual, personal, and moral development of students.

602

Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3). A study of the child who follows atypical patterns. Includes assessment practices and teaching techniques applicable to students with various disabilities.

610

Research Methods and Procedures (3). An introduction to educational research methodologies that are used to improve instructional decision-making. Research techniques are applied to classroom situations with an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics.

612

Curriculum Planning and Organization (3). The development, analysis, and evaluation of the school curriculum with emphasis upon input from the school and community and current research.

614

Instructional Strategies (3). A study of the characteristics of effective teaching in the school with emphasis on research methodology. Emphasis is placed on inquiry and problem-solving strategies, cooperative learning and research of current trends and practices.

620

Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum (3). Capstone Course A study of theories, strategies, and current literature about reading and written communications throughout the content areas.

Teaching Reading & Math Skills (3). An advanced study in the selection and use of materials and methods of teaching reading in the elementary schools with emphasis upon current research.

623

Technology in Education (3). Yhis course is a study in the integration of the use of the computer in the classroom through an investigation of different tools currently available for educators. An opportunity to develop materials for use in the classroom will be provided.

624

Issues and Innovations in Education (3). A study of current research into critical issues in the elementary school curriculum, organization, and innovations that affect achievement potential.

625

Instructional Leadership Skills in the Classroom (3). Capstone Course The development of skills and attributes necessary to establish and maintain a positive learning environment that maximizes student achievement. Teaching strategies and models of behavioral management and instruction are emphasized. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards are examined as part of the exit requirement for the program.

628

Advanced Instructional Strategies (3). The course focuses on advanced teaching strategies with emphasis on the development of curricular units that promote student understanding through the integration of content from a variety of disciplines, the inclusion of inquiry, and the use of appropriate technologies as tools for teaching and learning.

630

Diagnostic and Remedial Strategies Across the Content Areas (3). A study of diagnostic instruments and procedures for identifying learning problems and planning remedial instruction appropriate for students in all subject areas.

631

Individual Instruction for Children with Learning Problems (3). A study of strategies for providing appropriate educational services for children with mild to moderate learning problems by the use of intervention techniques.

636

Supervision of Instruction: Collaborating for Accountability (3). Emphasis is on developing leadership skills in the classroom and with peer teachers, teaching assistants, and other community and school personnel.

640

Practicum in Education (3-6). Prereq: Approval of Director Provides an opportunity for the student to complete field work which will be tied into research course, if needed. Gives the student an option for practicum based on individual needs.

641

Integrating Technology into the Curriculum (3).This course will enable teachers to select, utilize, evaluate, and modify a wide range of instructional media. Emphasis will be placed on integrating commercially available educational media into the teacher’s classroom methodology.

642

Using Technology to Assess Learning and Manage Data (3).This course will enable teachers to select, utilize, evaluate, and modify a wide range of media for use in the following: assessing student progress; analyzing state, district, school, and classroom data; and organizing data into understandable presentations. Emphasis will be placed on integrating commercially available media into the collection, organization and presentation of data.

643

New and Emerging Technologies (3).This course is an investigation into the new and emerging technologies available for educators use in the classroom. The course topics will remain flexible to meet the current trends and topics of interest.

651

Engaging Learning Communities (3).This course emphasizes how teachers become more effective communicators with peers, parents, and the community through leadership roles to improve student learning and achievement.

652

Self-Effectiveness Analysis (3).The course places emphasis on the analysis of student work to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction as demonstrated by student achievement. Results are used to direct changes needed for enhancement of student learning (next steps).

653

Reflection and Analysis (3).This course emphasizes how teachers effectively engage students within whole group, small group and individualized instructional settings. Use of video analysis will be emphasized.

Health Administration (MHA)

608

Current Issues and Trends in Health Administration (3).This course will explore the current issues and trends in the health care system through the expert insight of health care leaders across the country. Students will examine key trends impacting the nation’s health care organizations. Timely topics include health care reform and social media in health care.

624

Ethics in Health Care (3).This course examines the ethical issues found in the health care system with the focus on the health care administrator as the decision-maker, leader, and moral agent. An in-depth look at ethical responsibilities related to various health care situations will be explored from a Biblical world view. Actual cases to illustrate everyday ethical dilemmas that are faced will be investigated.

643

Health Care Finance and Budgeting (3).This course emphasizes financial administration and financial operations theory, principles, and concepts as they relate to health care financial decision-making. Finance and budgeting methods are reviewed as well as accountability. Students will explore these concepts from a Biblical world view.

646

Legal and Regulatory Environment for Health Care (3).This course explores the legal environment from a health care management perspective as well as the relationship between law and ethics. The course includes topics such as the basic structure of the court system, the general legal responsibilities of health care organizations, and liabilities inherent to the provisions of care will be examined. All of these relationships are discussed in the context of a Biblical world view.

668

Health Care Quality Management (3).This course enriches the understanding of the historical concepts of quality. It is an advanced study of how to achieve quality within the structure and relationships of the complex system of a health care organization. The concepts explored include systems thinking, improving and managing process change, performance measurement, as well as real-life examples and case studies. Students also explore the concepts and relationships from a Biblical world view.

Ministry (MIN)

610

Biblical Shepherding (3)This course will look in depth at the Biblical theme of shepherding and how shepherding applies to modern ministry. Students will examine both Biblical and present day examples of shepherds and critique their own abilities in light of Scripture.

620

Education Ministry of the Church (3)This course will look at how education occurred in Biblical times and then at the role that Education ministry serves in the modern church.

630

Church and its Mission (3)This course will look at the role of the church as defined in Scripture. The modern church will be critiqued and areas for improvement to bring it in line with the Biblical definition will be identified.

Public Administration (MPA)

601

Introduction to Public Administration (3). Introduces the field of public administration. Topics include political, social, and economic environments of public administration; bureaucratic politics and power; law, ethics, and comparative administration.

602

Effective Professional Communication (3). A study of the various means of effective organizational communication by administrators and public servants. Covered are written and oral skills in the organizational environment, with an emphasis on Christian servanthood and empathy in dealing with the public. Students participate in individual and group exercises to improve their communication skills.

603

Research Methods in Public Administration-Project I (2). An introduction to basic quantitative and qualitative research methods. Presents the primary course project which is the capstone of the MPA degree. Provides students with experience in planning, design, and performance of applied research project dealing with a practical administrative or policy problem. Students learn to formulate research questions, design research projects, apply research methodologies, and produce a professional research report.

604

Organizational Theory and Behavior (3). A study of the classical and contemporary theories of organization, management, and administration in public and private institutions. This advanced study of group dynamics examines the forces in individuals, groups and organizations which affect the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. Issues include organization culture, organizational design, individual and collective motivation, developing the learning organization, political behavior, conflict and resolution.

605

Principles of Executive Leadership (3). A study of the behavioral sciences as they apply to various leadership theories and models, both classical and contemporary. This course examines the distinction between leadership and management, servanthood leadership from a Christian perspective, participative management, group dynamics and motivation.

Ethics and Society (3). The relevance and application of biblically based ethical principles to the issues facing today's leaders. Christian value systems are contrasted with post-modern relativism and other conflicting worldviews as the student is challenged to review and refine individual values. Included are obligations of the organization to employees and the public-at-large (society).

608

Management Research-Project II (1). The continuation of the research process initiated in MPA603. Students deliver an oral and written summary of their research efforts to date. Elements included this progress report include the history and selection of the project topic, methods selected to investigate and collect information, and preliminary conclusions, recommendations and bibliographical resources.

Economics and Public Policy (3). Examines economics both as a determinate of public policy and as a tool of public administration and policy implementation. Topics include how markets allocate resources, role of government in a market economy (fair trade vs. free trade, protectionism, etc.), market failures and responses to them; and, problems of efficiency vs. effectiveness and efficiency vs. equity.

611

Public and Administrative Law (3). Examines law in society and legal setting of public administration (public interest social responsibility when all of society is a stakeholder, process oriented versus outcome-based, results oriented). Includes regulatory process, administrative adjudication, administrative procedure acts, administrative due process, judicial review, liability, and citizen's rights.

612A

Public Policy Analysis A (2). Examines processes of policy formulation and implementation- how policies are made, who makes them, and why implementation must be viewed as a critical phase of policymaking. Topics include problem recognition, agenda setting, analysis, adoption, implementation, evaluation, and succession. Emphasizes the politics of policymaking and case study analysis.

Management Research-Project III (2). The integrative capstone presentation of the research project initiated in MPA603 and MPA608. Each student delivers both an oral presentation and written terminal thesis (or case study) to faculty and fellow learners. Applied research projects are evaluated on comprehensiveness and quality of a professional terminal product.

Reading (REA)

608

Early Literacy Instruction. (3) This course is a study of concepts, materials and teaching strategies for oral language development and systematic early reading and writing instruction, specific to concepts about print, phonemic awareness, and phonics. The course includes a systematic study of scientifically research-based instructional methods and learning activities for beginning reading.

611

Literature and Literacy. (3) A study of literary materials and resources that is appropriate for elementary instruction. Emphasis will be given to integrating literature into all curriculum areas. Identifies resources and research-based practices that create language rich environments.

617

Content Area Literacy. (3) The methods and materials for teaching reading through the content areas in upper elementary, middle, and secondary schools; attention is given to techniques of diagnosing difficulties, teaching reading skills and comprehension with a focus on individualizing instruction, and assessing student achievement.

620

Reading and Writing across the Curriculum (3) The purpose of the course is to develop educational leaders who understand the importance of balancing the processes of authentic reading and writing across content areas of the curriculum, and provide an understanding of various reading and writing strategies which will make the process and product meaningful for their students. Attention will be focused on various instructional approaches to equip teachers in producing life-long learners.

622

Teaching Reading Skills and Comprehension. (3) Pre-requisite REA 608 A study in the selection and use of materials and methods of teaching reading in the elementary schools with emphasis upon current research. Research based teaching strategies for oral language development and early systematic reading and writing instruction specific to vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension and scaffolding of the reading process.

627

Middle Grade Literacy (4-8). (3) A study of reading-thinking skills, concepts, methods, and materials for literacy instruction and learning for upper elementary and young adolescents. Emphasis will be on comprehension, strategy instruction, assessment and writing for diverse student populations.

629

Literacy Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation. (3) Pre-requisite REA 608A study of reading problems, assessment procedures and use of test results; planning individualized instructional programs and differenced instruction for problem readers or English language learners. Includes case study with field experience.

Current Trends and Research in Reading (3)To familiarize teachers with current trends and theories concerning reading instruction and with the intent to advance reading success. Emphasis will be on research with best practices and contemporary issues of teaching reading and the development of effective instructional practices.

Sports Administration (MSA)

608

Current Issues and Trends in Sports Administration (3).This course will provide an in-depth study and analysis of the athletic profession as it relates to trends and issues surrounding administrative decision making. Some examples of the issues include violence, discrimination, racism, and sexism.

643

Sports Finance and Budgeting (3).This course explores the current financial status in the main segment of the sport industry with emphasis placed on professional and collegiate sport. It provides a comprehensive synopsis of the application of economics and financial management used in the sport organization decision making context from both a macro and micro level. Topics include purchasing, budgeting, risk management, operational procedures, fee structures, financial ratios, financial impact analysis, attendance and price setting strategies

646

Legal and Regulatory Environment for Sports (3).This course provides an examination of risk management and the current legal principles which affect sport and recreation organizations. Students will gain an understanding in objectives, principles, policies, procedures and requirements in regard to legal issues for a successful career as a sports manager. Topics that are covered include tort liability, athletic eligibility, NCAA due process, gender discrimination, contracts, and drug testing. These topics directly impact the formation and practice of policies adopted by sport administrators and coaches.

668

Venue and Event Management (3).This course will examine the current research related to planning, funding, and operating sporting events and sport/recreation facilities. The course will provide a practical background in all facets of managing a sport event and facility.